Franklin is a California native, and is a member of the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians. He has a B.S. in engineering physics from the University of California, Berkeley, then obtained an M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

His research interests involve laser plasma interactions with ultrafast laser systems, performing high intensity laser experiments with near and above critical density plasmas for tabletop particle acceleration and the generation of soft and hard x-rays; and the simulation of such experiments using numerical modeling. He is involved with a variety of recruitment and retention efforts for underrepresented students in STEM fields, with a particular focus on American Indians. He has numerous recognitions for his work both in science and outreach, including theJohn Dawson Thesis Prize, the American Indian Science and Engineering SocietyMost Promising Scientist Award, and is a Sloan Research Fellow.